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Nigeria’s presidency has warned of a “deliberate attempt to weaponise religion for politics,” saying “desperate actors” are using deepfake videos and manipulated content to provoke Muslims against President Bola Tinubu.
“As the political season approaches, desperate actors will continue to manufacture outrage, distort faith, manipulate context, spread falsehoods, and push dangerous emotional bait across social media platforms and WhatsApp groups in an attempt to divide Nigerians for political gain,” the Office of Digital Engagement & Strategy said in a public service announcement on Thursday.
“Yesterday, it was a manipulated video overlaid with fake audio and false attributions intended to portray President Tinubu in a negative light through the use of an influencer’s identity. Today, it is another deepfake video falsely framed around a religious leader in a calculated attempt to provoke Muslims against the President.”
Please disregard the video circulating claiming PBAT has converted. It is a lie…
President Tinubu has always been a Muslim, while proudly supporting his wife, who is a Pastor. This unique interfaith harmony in his own home is what he brings to national leadership, which is… pic.twitter.com/97YpgRRK2J
— Daddy D.O🇳🇬 (@DOlusegun) May 28, 2026
The presidency said Tinubu “has never hidden who he is. He is a Muslim. He is married to a Christian. He leads a multi-religious nation built on constitutional freedom of worship, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence.”
Before sharing such content, Nigerians should “ask one simple question: who benefits from setting citizens of different faiths against one another?” it added.
“This is not faith or patriotism. Neither is it politics. This is coordinated manipulation at scale.”
The office warned that digital actors involved in such activities “will be identified and reported to the appropriate authorities for investigation and necessary action,” citing cybercrime laws and provisions against incitement and public mischief.
“We urge citizens to reject divisive propaganda, verify information before sharing, and remain vigilant against attempts to destabilise national cohesion through digitally amplified disinformation.”
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
We are aware of yet another deliberate attempt to weaponise religion for politics across various online platforms.
Yesterday, it was a manipulated video overlaid with fake audio and false attributions intended to portray President Bola Ahmed Tinubu… pic.twitter.com/mCgFHLzsHX
— Presidency Nigeria (@NGRPresident) May 28, 2026
